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December 2024

Recycle more this festive season

We often create more recycling and waste than usual during the festive season. The best thing we can do for the environment is to reduce the amount of waste we create in the first place - the Less Waste website has lots of great tips and advice to help. 

But with Christmas just around the corner, now is a good time to check which items can be recycled over the festive season.

From how to recycle real Christmas trees and broken fairy lights, to understanding which types of wrapping paper can be recycled, our blog is here to help.

Five ways to save on your Christmas food bill

For many who celebrate Christmas, food plays a joyful part in the festivities.

However, nearly three quarters of households won't manage to eat all of the food bought over the festive season. It's estimated that 2 million turkeys and 74 million mince pies will be binned across the UK, costing not just our wallets but the environment too.

The environmental charity Hubbub have put together five helpful tips for planning a Christmas that can cost less and minimise food waste too.

Festive recycling and household waste site opening hours

Planning a trip to your local recycling and household waste site over the festive break?

All of Leicestershire County Council's sites will be closed on:

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day
• New Year's Day.

Take care to check the opening times before you visit.

In the news: waste services review set to continue

The waste services review is set to continue following a long-awaited government update on the Simpler Recycling legislation.

The new recycling collection guidance will be used alongside resident and staff feedback to decide on suitable recycling containers to replace the current boxes and bags.

We'll update our website as soon as we're able with the timescales for a decision.

Putting out extra recycling this Christmas

We can collect extra recycling over the festive season, but it's important to make sure it's put out for collection correctly.

If you run out of space in your recycling containers, please follow our advice for putting out extra recycling. We've even got some handy videos to help.

Please note, we cannot collect any extra bags of general waste left next to your black bin, and your bin lid must be fully closed. All households receive an extra black bin collection over the Christmas and New Year period.

Cutting your energy bills

If you are struggling with heating bills or your home is not energy efficient, support is available. From grant funding to advice on keeping warm and reducing your energy bills, our website has lots of information to help.

Save the date: RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Friday 24-Sunday 26 January 2025

Take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers take part to help build a picture of how garden birds are faring.